December trial date set for Va. lawmaker

WASHINGTON — A Virginia lawmaker has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor.

State Delegate Joseph Morrissey (D-Henrico), who represents Richmond and Henrico County, pleaded not guilty Friday to felony charges that could put him away for 41 years, reports the Richmond Times Dispatch.

Morrissey says he will not resign from the Virginia House of Delegates where he’s been a delegate since 2008. His trial date is set for December 15.

The 56-year-old Morrissey, who is a lawyer, was disbarred in April 2003 but got his law license back 11 years later.

Meanwhile, Morrissey’s defense team will try to get William Neely, a special prosecutor in the case, removed. Neely has fought in the past to keep Morrissey from getting back his license to practice law.